Learning about suspension?

[Hugo Stiglitz]

Since the main focus of my next E30 is going to be its handling capabilities, I'd like to start learning as much about suspension as I can.

I've been reading a ton of the posts in this section, but I'm wondering if anyone knows of any good suspension books, or other good places to absorb more info, specifically on BMW suspension?

[Matto]

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0912656468/002-4065977-2637641?v=glance

[Hugo Stiglitz]

Thanks for the suggestion, but it doens't cover any cars any newer than 1980.

I'll see if maybe our library has it first.

[Addissimo]

I dont think a whole lot has changed... at least nothing that you'll be putting in your car (unless you want to spend 5k on remotely adjustable dampeners), even then, principles are the same.

[Streetspec_iS]

^^^ top book, i have a copy myself.

[sovann]

^^yep, definately a good book, although it's been a couple of years since I last read it.

Check out books by an author named Carroll Smith as well... He's widely regarded as a car setup guru. I think he's released four books - Engineer to Win, Prepare to Win, Drive to Win and something else about winning. Can't remember. But all four books are excellent reads, although most of it is racecar specific. Not much info on machpherson struts or semi-trailing arms - mostly double wishbone stuff - but good nonetheless.

Also read some of the tech articles here http://e30m3performance.com/ if you haven't already. This guy knows his shit, and it's e30 specific too.

[Streetspec_iS]

^ you heard it from Mr Shock Absorber Engineer himself.

[sovann]

^ you heard it from Mr Shock Absorber Engineer himself.
heh :D just realised I spelt 'macpherson' wrong above. how professional.

and i'm still waiting for my wheels ya punk...

[Hugo Stiglitz]

I just reserved the book at the library, I'll give it a once over and then maybe buy it if it turns out to be good.

[Rob]

you'll learn more about suspension at your first autocross than in 5 whole books...

practical, hands on learning rocks

[BimmerToad]

you'll learn more about suspension at your first autocross than in 5 whole books...

practical, hands on learning rocks

You'd be suprised though how little the average autocrosser knows about suspension set up.

[Rob]

me included. I guess i'm trying to make the point that all the 'theory' is great, but it helps a lot if you can see the stuff in action, feel what its like

[Hugo Stiglitz]

you'll learn more about suspension at your first autocross than in 5 whole books...

practical, hands on learning rocks
Werd to that, I plan to autocross quite a bit once I get my car.

I'd really like a lot of the focus of my next E30 to be on suspension and handling. I'll be looking to fine-tune a suspension set-up that will be good for daily driving (I don't mind a reasonably stiff ride) and regular long spirited drives, but that can also get the job done on an autocross course as well.

[Charlie]

Thanks for the suggestion, but it doens't cover any cars any newer than 1980.

I'll see if maybe our library has it first.

If you hadn't noticed, the e30 really isn't above a Datsun 510 in terms of any sort of suspension setup, so everything in that book is completely relevant.

-Charlie

[///M Powered]

you'll learn more about suspension at your first autocross than in 5 whole books...

practical, hands on learning rocks

Amen.

But getting a head start never hurts :D

[trent]

Thanks for the suggestion, but it doens't cover any cars any newer than 1980.

I'll see if maybe our library has it first.

If you hadn't noticed, the e30 really isn't above a Datsun 510 in terms of any sort of suspension setup, so everything in that book is completely relevant.

-Charlie

This is what I was going to suggest, since the E30 has the same suspension used in cars (1600, 2002s) since the 60s

[Skafrog]

I am gonna have to jump in, and ride the sheep train.
There is a huge difference between a well thought-out suspension, and a shoddily thrown together setup.
Find out as much as you can, learn why things work the way they do, and you can then make informed decisions. Consider what you will be doing with the car, then decide if you are willing to compromise certain aspects in order to make it "streetable". Try and drive some different setups, etc, talk to some people who deal with suspension all day long.

[DavidV]

Since the main focus of my next E30 is going to be its handling capabilities, I'd like to start learning as much about suspension as I can.

I've been reading a ton of the posts in this section, but I'm wondering if anyone knows of any good suspension books, or other good places to absorb more info, specifically on BMW suspension?

In addition to Fred Puhn's book, mine (Car Hacks & Mods for Dummies) is worth checking out:

http://www.mr2oc.com/images/davidv.jpg

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0764571427/qid=1098031088/sr=8-1/ref=sr_8_xs_ap_i1_xgl14/102-0334518-9416165?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

-- DavidV :D

www.carhacksandmods.com

[DanGillan]

a really amazing book i borrowed from work is a book that was sorta mentioned, but not really, its called tune to win by that same guy (i dont have it in front of me) if you end up getting it, the chapter on suspension is a amazing, a bit technical, but it talks about the advantages or ride height, and when it becomes overkill, the sizes of sway bars in relation to the spring rates you are running, downforce and when there is too much, etc, etc. etc.... i learned a lot. also in that book, the chapter on vehical dynamics and tires has and ENORMOUS amount of information. i really reccomend this book

[NitroRustlerDriver]

Well, this isn't exactly what you wanted, but the priciples are the same. And it has animated pictures to help explain.

http://home.tiscali.be/be067749/58/

This site isn't bad either:

http://www.rctek.com/handling/